Show Notes
Learning an instrument is about so much more than notes and technique. In this episode, Heather sits down with renowned teaching artist, writer and educator Eric Booth to explore how understanding learning, teaching and creativity can transform your harping and your life.
In this episode: • Eric shares his journey from Broadway actor to pioneering teaching artist • What a “teaching artist” is and why this mindset matters for every musician • How teaching or explaining something deepens your own learning and musicianship • Why the learning environment and community around you are as important as the content • Self determined learning, intrinsic motivation and staying connected to joy in your practice • Practical ideas for giving yourself meaningful feedback as an adult learner • The “law of 80 percent” and what it means for how you show up as a musician and sharer of music
Host: Heather Downie – Harpist, Principal Scottish Harp Tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and founder of How To Harp Guest: Eric Booth – Teaching artist, author of Making Change: Teaching Artists and Their Role in Shaping a Better World, and international leader in arts education
Enjoying the show? New episodes weekly. Follow or subscribe and share with a harp friend.
Learn with us: https://www.HowToHarp.com (membership, courses, retreats)
#HowToHarp #HowToHarpPodcast #HeatherDownieHarpist #TeachingArtist #ArtsEducation
More from How To Harp Podcast
Vikky had never played an instrument and had been told not to sing, so when someone suggested she try one, her answer was no way. Heather asks how that turned into a growing family of harps and a place among other harpists.
Christmas Collab 2026 Info HERE - https://www.howtoharp.com/courses/christmas-harp-collaboration-2026
A long break, a frustrating run of practice or a difficult stretch of life can leave a harp sitting untouched and the way back unclear. Heather gives this one listener question her full attention, because it keeps coming up in different forms. Thank you to everyone who writes in!
Heather welcomes Scottish harpist Rachel into the studio for an in-person conversation. It's clear how much fun it was having her there in the flesh, and that warmth carries through the whole chat.
The quick fix doesn't exist, and Heather thinks that's good news. If you've ever come out of a practice session feeling like you should be further on by now, this episode is for you.